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Joseph Parsons (b. 25 Jun 1620, d. 09 Oct 1683)

Joseph Parsons was born 25 Jun 1620 in England, and died 09 Oct 1683 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, U.S.A..He married Mary Bliss on 26 Nov 1646 in Hertfort, Connecticut, U.S.A., daughter of Thomas Bliss and Margaret Lawrance Hulins.Notes for Joseph Parsons:It is not known when Joseph Parsons came to New England, but thefirst authentic record of his presence is on 15 July 1636 whenhe witnessed a deed by which the Indians conveyed to WilliamPynchon and others a large tract of land on both sides of theConnecticut River including what is now Springfiedl,Massachusetts. His name has not been found on any existing shiplist. It has been suggested that he came on the "Transport" ofLondon in 1635, but that listing is for one "Jo: Parsons," whichwas indexed as John rather Joseph Parsons. Joseph Parsonsremoved to Northampton in 1653 but prior to that he and his wifelived in Boston for a short time. On 7 October 1678, theGeneral Court appointed "Joseph Parsons, Sen" as cornet of theHampshire Troop of Horse, the cornet being the color-bearer andthird in command in a British troop or regiment of cavalry. Hewas active in town affairs in both Springfield and Northampton,serving as highway suveyor, overseer of fences, juror andselectman. As a fur trader, miller and merchantm, he became awealthy man, owning land in Springfield, Northampton, Boston andNorthfield, CT. the settlement of the estate of "cornet Josephparsons, Senr. deceased," dated 15 January 1683/4, mentions hiswife Mary, Joseph, Jr. "Eldest son," John "2d son", Samuel "3rdSon", Jonathan "4th Son," and four daughters: Mary, Hannah,Abigail and Esther. The inventory of his estate, recorded 25March 1684, amounted to 2,088 pounds 9s., one of the largesearly estates probated in Hampshire Co.More About Joseph Parsons:Baptism: St. Mary's Church, Beaminster, Dorset, England.2815More About Joseph Parsons and Mary Bliss:Marriage: 26 Nov 1646, Hertfort, Connecticut, U.S.A..Children of Joseph Parsons and Mary Bliss are: